Howard McGhee 1946-1948

Personnel: Howard McGhee (trumpet); Earl Coleman (vocals); Jimmy Heath (alto & baritone saxophones); James Moody, Teddy Edwards (tenor saxophone); Milt Jackson (vibraphone); Hank Jones, Dodo Marmarosa, Will Davis (piano); Arv Garrison (guitar); Percy Heath, Ray Brown, Bob Kesterson (bass); Roy Porter, J.C. Heard, Joe Harris (drums).

Recorded between 1946 and 1948. Includes liner notes by Anatol Schenker.

This two-year examination of McGhee's recorded work finds the trumpeter performing dates from the West Coast to New York and Chicago. The playing is stellar, and the bands feature notables like Dodo Marmarosa, James Moody, Hank Jones, Ray Brown, J.C. Heard, Milt Jackson, and Percy Heath. Highlights include "Midnight at Minton's," "Up in Dodo's Room," "Night Mist," "Messin' With Fire," and "Bass C Jam." A nice chunk of McGhee's best work. ~ Cub Koda